Hope You Enjoy Your Very Own "Boys will Be Boys" (BBB) Moment Katy.
Washington Post’s Kathleen Parker is busy lamenting the blogosphere’s rage over the Jon Favreau “gropergate” controversy. Gee…can’t a guy just have fun anymore?
Nonsense is the new standard for controversy; and even party shenanigans qualify.
Puritans and prohibitionists would adore our brave new world of shutterbug infamy. The fact is, no one’s having fun anymore, especially in the nation’s capital, where one can’t afford to let the tongue slip or risk being caught in the cross hairs of a cell camera.
She, like so many others, attempts to hang her hat on Clinton’s alleged acceptance of an act of ‘boys will be boys’ as proof positive that this is a moot issue. The cryptic nature of this so-called response is as useless as the offering party – in other words, if it didn’t come from Hillary’s lips…it’s not Hillary’s response. Parker however proffers that Hillary’s experience with her husband’s adultery is ‘case-closed’ evidence of how the event has been overblown:
FitzWalter, quickly, my smelling salts! Oh, and dust off the guillotine while you’re at it.
Hear, hear. Nipping nonsense in the bud is an essential skill for a secretary of state and Clinton used her shears deftly. If anyone recognizes a little harmless male sport, it would be the bride of President “Is.” One thing is harmful; another thing isn’t.
Well of course a women who had to face the public airing of a private matter between herself and her husband should forever be prohibitted from criticizing sexual inappropriateness. WTF is that? And while Ms. Parker is blaming everyone EXCEPT Favreau and the culture of mysogyny bred by Obamanation, she takes aim at the age of technology that has allowed this, as she refers to it – “nonsense” – to even see the light of day.
For all the gratification and convenience of real-time everything, downtime was underappreciated while it lasted. Even 10 years ago, BBB [boys being boys] would have been vaguely recalled over Bloody Marys — and quickly forgotten.
Yes Katherine…it’s a damn shame that these pigs have to answer for their actions. They should be allowed to engage in their mysogynistic rituals in private, without the click of a camera to worry about. You and the rest of your ilk who seem to believe that it’s ok to objectify and abuse women symbolically are only encouraging these acts to continue and be played out both privately and publically, and both literally and symbolically.
SYMBOLS DO MATTER. If not, why do we erect statues? Why do we protect the flag from descration? What about the crucifix, or the swastika, or the recreated image of a lynched black man? Do these SYMBOLS matter? Of course they do.
Finally, Katherine also finds our lack of humor to be an obstacle to all of this “harmless” fun. Pish Posh on us (ala Carville) silly, sick, stupid, women in need of psychiatric care.
Now young men goofing around are immortalized as misogynist maulers, portentous reminders to the rest of us that the gender wars won’t end until irreverence and humor are dead.
Well Katherine, let me share some “fun” with you. I hope you enjoy your own personal ‘gropergate’ moment. It’s just a little “harmless” fun! As for me…I don’t intend to get a sense of humor about these types of demeaning and mysogynistic attacks on women anytime soon.
Filed under: General
This woman makes me ashamed to be a woman. And for her information — Favreau posted this picture on his myspace page — so these morons need to get off of the “its the technology’s fault bullshit train.”
and btw — this blaming everyone else but the perp. is exactly what is wrong with the Y generation — they have never had to take responsibility for their own actions because they always had an guilty-ridden (because of the divorce or the fact that they were always at work making more $) greedy selfish parent in the wing blaming and fighting with the teacher/coach/whoever for their kid’s bad behavior.
You know, you need a license to catch a fish in this country but any moron can have a kid.
It’s getting to be ridiculous how they continue to deflect any and all criticism away from Favreau and his lord Obama
Hey, I’m still holding out for the whole damned gang to take their party to the federal pen.
Guess who wants to move into Blair House early? Not Biden. The Obama’s wnna move in so the girls can start attending school early on Jan. 5th. The Bush White House said they could not grant the request because BH was being used for previously arranged engagement (and probably because they just didn’t wanna too). 4 years of them will be unbearable.
Awwww…po buhbays…
No room at the inn — maybe you need to find a stable somewhere to stay.
Oh for cripes sake! Why can’t they stay in a hotel? Jesus H. Christ, isn’t being President enough? He needs more special treatment?
This is just unbearable. Thankfully, by next week the press release that many Conflucians helped fund will be out.
In the meantime, may I respectfully request that you send this post wherever you like? http://tdg.typepad.com/heidi_lis_potpourri/2008/12/misogyny-knowing-right-from-wrong-and-jon-favreau.html
The picture is still on my space as far as I know.
Heidi do you still need money? My hubby just got his Christmas bonus and we have a few extra dollars to spare.
Also, advice needed: I am in the midst of setting up a non-profit entity called, tentatively, “51 Percent” devoted to seeing 51 percent of all public positions (not just political ones) occupied by women (in proportion to the their representation in the population). Should I post a preliminary mission statement on Heidi Li’s Potpourri? Or wait until fully up and running with own website (by the new year I hope)?
There is nothing wrong with posting a preliminary mission statement. It’s helpful to see that there are people actively engaged in seeking these types of solutions.
Heidi: I think a preliminary statement would be great so everyone can gear up to get involved.
Stateofdisbelief, on December 12th, 2008 at 9:36 pm Said:
Any and all contributions are welcome. I use a p.r. firm that is very good and they will charge hourly. Also, there will be costs related to setting up 51 Percent.
I just donated $1000 in honor of Potpourri and its readers to The White House Project.
Another bit of advice needed: should I include a donation button related to 51 Percent on the blog? I hesitated since apparently some have questioned my integrity. I don’t want anybody to think I’m making bucks off of all this.
Heidi – I think a preliminary statement on the Potpourri is a good idea. Gives people something to think about before you are up and running.
I echo SOD – it looked like you didn’t want any more money from one of the posts I read. Is that true?
Obama and wife have been told there’s no room at the inn – Bush let them know Blair house is booked and they will have to look elsewhere.
I didn’t need any more money for the press release and I hate to overreach, especially nowadays.
Who is Kathleen Parker? Parker is a conservative columnist for the National Review who made a name for herself for telling Sarah Palin to get out of the race for VP for the sake of the Republican party. No one even in conservative circles knew who she was until her trashing of Palin became a weekly sport.
She is now p*ssing off republicans by writing that their problem is a three letter word “God”. And that unless they got rid of evengelicals or as she called them “the oooogdy, booogdy” arm of the party they would be in trouble.
Because Parker can’t get the attention of the republican party because they have written her off, she’s looking for an audience. She continues to write explosive material for the sake of it being explosive and causing attention.
Oddly enough she is the author of a recent book called ” Save the Males: Why Men Matter, Why Women Should Care .” She talks about how women codify little boys and how they end up becoming male wooses.
Parker needs to go.
Okay, got my answer.
Personally, I like donate buttons – they make my life easier when I do decide to donate.
And I, for one, would not EVER question your integrity. You rock, Heidi!
What a great essay, Heidi–short, direct, and to the point.
Ok, I’m going to see what I can draft and I will include the donate button but really soft-sell the fundraising aspect for now. More money can be donated once the organization exists and the donations will be tax-deductible for donors. On the other hand, anything that comes in now will make it easier to get going.
SOD,
Your post is excellent! I have no idea why Katherine felt the need to pontificate on this. Maybe she does just want attention. Can we send her this post, including photo?
Heidi — ONE moron tr0ll questioned your integrity (after several posts basically calling us all here hags) so consider the source — johninca shouldn’t have brought it up.
Boomer — I did already.
I thought she’d enjoy this “technology prank”
4 years of the Obamas in the White House will be nonstop fodder for the satire industry. Let’s hope they take advantage of it!
Gxm: Last I checked, the Onion didn’t seem TOO moved by Obie so I think they’ll be working overtime. In fact, I should go see what they’ve got up regarding Blag o’ chip.
LOL! Oh yeah. Question the integrity of the REAL grassroots organization but not the guy who raked in 800 million freakin’ dollars. Now THAT’s funny! And they say WE don’t have a sense of humor.
Hugh Jackman is hosting the oscars! I guess I’ll have to watch the show this year.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/13/movies/13osca.html
Good for you, SOD!
Honestly, I can’t believe the nerve of the Obamas…
You know, it’s one thing to show up at the hotel a little earlier than check in just in case the room is already available, but asking to move in two weeks ahead of time? My goodness, what have other president-elects with children done? You’d think that they were the first that had ever moved into the White House with school-age children.
Their sense of entitlement knows no end.
Well, with the encouragement of folks I respect here this is what I put up
http://tdg.typepad.com/heidi_lis_potpourri/2008/12/on-a-mission-51-percent-ending-misogynist-conduct.html
bluelyon, on December 12th, 2008 at 9:57 pm Said:
Speaking of which, why do they not just check into hotel? Obama has 16 million dollars of surplus funds that he can use legally for any costs incurred.
angienc2, on December 12th, 2008 at 9:51 pm Said:
I wasn’t chilled by johninca bringing it up But I really really believe in integrity in general and especially when one is asking for funds. So, as so often, I turned to the Conflucians as a sounding board.
Not every Conflucian will like my ideas or methods and certainly not every person will. But I like feedback before I make up my mind when I’m uncertain.
And in starting to post about 51 Percent, I have indeed considered the source of the feedback from folks here.
Back later.
Much has been made of Favreau’s grope and the fact that those who find it incredibly vulgar, hostile and offensive just need to get a sense of humor. Of course, they wouldn’t be the same people who think Favreau is a “great talent” when he pens such quotes as, “We are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For.”
They do have a sense of humor. They think THAT notion is hilarious!
Forget Churchill, Jefferson, Aristotle or even Sorensen. Now, we have to be continuously subjected to the most meaningless sort of drivel ever. No wonder the print version of the 4th Estate is dying! Favreau’s kind of Madison Avenue copy writing and humor is exactly right for the “deep thoughts” capacity of Obama and his sycophants, of which there are apparently millions.
It has been said that those who are drawing the line at Favreau’s sexist behavior and are demanding he be fired need to spend time focusing on more important subjects. That is quite ironic since the very people making the demand are the ones who have been completely unimpressed by what seems to be so inspiring to his defenders: Obama Girl, Oprah and all Obnoxiously Obvious Marketing Ploys. Those who are drawing the line have been demanding substance over style since the beginning of the 2008 Election. Well, a good way for Team Obama to start meeting those demands would be by Firing Favreau. And, not simply for using cardboard likenesses of real women to act out his contempt but for his crimes against sensibilities!
More here….
http://blog.hillarysvillage.net/
Okay, this is kind of painful but it’s also kind of hilarious: Supreme Court Overturns Bush v. Gore
As I wrote on my post about 51 Percent,
Hatred isn’t humorous.
Thank you SOD for carrying that message through loud and clear in this post over here.
Hatred isn’t humorous.
right on juliesky!!
SOD,
I just wrote a snotty e-mail to Kathleen P. and gave her the link to the Favreau photo, which is still on Facebook. Then I said I loved the photoshop with her face superimposed on it.
I’m sure she’ll just ignore us. If she wanted attention, she got it.
The attention issue is a real one. I hate giving people like this Kathleen person or Wolf Blitzer attention even if to criticize them. But if we don’t criticize them they think silence equals approval. A real catch-22
So, my family is one of the ones hit by the icestorm in New England this weekend, and no one has power, most don’t have water, the temps are plummeting tonight and tomorrow, and power won’t be back on until Monday at the earliest. (I’m fortunately not affected). My mom said it looks like the end of the world — trees down everywhere, the news showing pictures of live electric wires all over roads, everyone is scrambling around to find friends, relatives, or shelters to stay at, huddling around peat stoves in the dark, all sorts of things. Because there’s a freakin’ crisis.
The but THE OBAMAS need Blair House!!! Are you telling me, really, they have no friends they could stay with in their gigundus McMansions for a few weeks? Why can’t they rent a hotel room? A townhouse? F&ck, with all the rich obots in DC, I’d be amazed if some McLean bazillionaire didn’t just give his d*mn house to Obama for the eternal use of The One. Isn’t it time for us all to pull together and make sacrifices in these hard times? Perhaps Air Force One can be sent to ferry the girls back and forth each day. Sheesh.
I’m calling it out whenever I see it. No where to run … no where to hide…from the ladies “under the bus.”
Maybe we can get them a room with the “Blair” Witch Project
I live in DC. Shall I offer them my guest room and den for the kids?
Where was Obama living as a Senator? When did he give up that lease?
THAT is an excellent question.
Heidi what pr company are you using for the press release and when can we expect to see it?
Sorry if I missed a previous comment answering these questions.
With various sources having compiled mass media mailing lists online why does a diverse community like this need to hire a pr company when we can prowl a professionally writen release?
It’s not like we don’t have awesome writers here. Yourself included.
Heidi what pr company are you using for the press release and when can we expect to see it?
Sorry if I missed a previous comment answering these questions.
With various sources having compiled mass media mailing lists online why does a diverse community like this need to hire a pr company when we can all send a professionally written release?
It’s not like we don’t have awesome writers here. Yourself included.
in moderation?
Vallhalla — I hope your parents are ok — and all those poor people.
re: the Obamas & the Blair House — they don’t know the meaning of the word sacrifice. Look at how he acted before he was elected with the Barackopolis, the World Tour, etc. Can we expect him to learn humility now?
kb — Obama was hardly ever in D.C. when he was Senator — and that’s not snark, that’s a fact. But, even if he had a house there, I’m sure he gave up the lease 2 years ago when he started running for President.
It’s probably Meeshill — that million dollar mansion in Chicago is so yesterday…and a Senator’s residence – weeelll! you must be joking!
Why can’t Meeshell and the Obrats move into a hotel while Pampers stays in the Chicago cesspool until Coronation Day?
The arrogance of Obambi and Mommy-in-Chief knows no bounds. And they dared to talk about Hillary’s sense of entitlement!
Gawd, I hate these motherfuckers! (channeling Angie…)
What are you silly wimin’ bellyaching about?
We only have the Chief speechwriter of the incoming President of the United States grossly and lewdly groping the next US Secretary of States, publicly.
Wazz yo problem, be-yatches?
I perfectly see Kathleen Parker’s point on this one.
PS: Can somebody get me a Kathleen Parker doll for the next bachelor party I’m invited to? I plan to do unspeakable things to it, but in good huma.
MABlue — LMAO!!!
hey, I see angie mentioned me.
angie, let me test me classical greek over here.
phileo Angelan, kai agapo ‘umas…
grade me, baby.
Also, my apologies to Dr. Heidi for mentioning the tr*ll. I just wanted to say something about her integrity and professionalism, (and niceness), which impress me very much.
Okay, first off I don’t think you want to be talking about Favreau and erect statues. Isn’t that part of his problem? I mean, anyone who needs to get a cut out drunk in order to cop a feel is a desperate young man.
Second, my sources have found out who is BO’s new favored replacement for his Senate seat. To find out who it is read the latest scoop on Blago the Inhaler in the….
NEW THREAD!
Barry could find a friendly Billionaire to put him and the family up….but he just can’t wait to start cashing in on Government goodies he feels is his do….which is everything . Look out, he might want a sleep over at the Jefferson memorial next .
Other wise you have to believe he and the 600 other people involved in the transition are too incompetent to even see to it his kids can get to school . They have known for over a month they needed housing….I’m guessing they knew longer than that. If the Obama and co can’t even plan decently for their kids schooling, heaven help us .
I guess I am from the old school that expected and demanded respect.
This fool would have been soooo dateless with his behavior. then again maybe thats why he has a cardboard cutout instead of a real girl.
WOMEN,MEN WHO SUPPORT WOMEN, AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS, BUBBAS, AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
I’ll say it first: Heaven help us.
paper doll – I agree; talked about it earlier – dealing with school for the kids is a huge, major issue that ordinary lowlifes like ourselves don’t handle all the time.
The kids seem to be a big excuse now. The whole time they were growing up so far, Michelle worked and Precious was hardly home (I remember her complaining about it). Grandma took care of them. I think she is coming to DC with them. The irony is that the girls needed them more when they were younger.
Really, can’t you see that picture as an Onion send up? With the head line ” Obama speech writers celebrate thier candidate’s victory” …. It’s mind numbing that it’s for real.
It’s not just the misogyny, it’s the obvious immaturity at issue.
PD: Soul destroying actually but either is effective to kill my hope for the future. So, about that Mayan Calendar. Who’s got an egg timer?
Fran: They are ALL immature. It’s terrifying. We need a grown up. We had grown ups and they all got put in time out by glorified preschoolers with pens.
Hear, hear. Nipping nonsense in the bud is an essential skill for a secretary of state and Clinton used her shears deftly. If anyone recognizes a little harmless male sport, it would be the bride of President “Is.” One thing is harmful; another thing isn’t.
OMG. What is the matter with these people? So, Bill’s indiscretion was rightfully shameful, but these young bucks are just havin’ a good time? How twisted is that? This is the same Kathleen Parker that has bashed Hillary & Palin at every turn.
She also uses the exact same argument as the CNN crew–Blitzer, Carville, & Republican dude–the problem is that there are too many gadgets to capture these harmless hijinx.
I wonder if she has daughters. Their rationalizations are not just ignorant (of grave domestic dangers), but extremely irresponsible.
Fran, on December 12th, 2008 at 11:22 pm :
Fran, the kids are the excuse now , cause his granny is gone, and he can’t use her anymore ( PS, can ANYONE tell me when that woman had a funeral?) and you bet Michelle’s mom is coming . She has raised those girls . That’s why I want to vomit when I hear the women on the View go on about MO’s ” mothering skills” , being sooo like Jackie-O…and never mention Hillary and Bill raised one hell of a kid while at the White House. You would think Caroline and John K were the last children there . and I think Any Carter was younger than the elder Obama girl when she first went to the White House .
Disclaimer: I only watch the View when visiting Mom and she makes me! lol!
Yeah, well, you know Youth Rules. Out with the Old (people). They don’t need us. They said so!
ps. I cannot believe that people voted for him because their kids liked him!
Good thing you put that disclaimer in.
Back in the 70’s women were often told they had no ” sense of humor” …and quite a few women writers made careers of waging a finger at them their lack of giggles. Male editors would pay nicely for such an article . It was a good living, money wise
WIth parents like the Obamas you can be sure we’re in for a repeat of Jena and Barbara…poor kids. They’re adorable but have no control over who their parents are.
Fran, on December 12th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
lol! I couldn’t possible watch the View on a regular basis and stay sane. As it is, I have to stuff a pillow in my mouth while Mom and I look at it , cause she says my screams hurt her ears! lol!
Ok, I just buffed and polished the post introducing 51 Percent (see upthread where folks here encouraged me to give such a post a whirl).
Here’s the new link http://tdg.typepad.com/heidi_lis_potpourri/2008/12/introducing-51-per-cent.html
Comments on the idea over at Potpourri are welcome. I read ‘em all even if I don’t publish them all
Thanks for any feedback you care to give.
Kathleen Parker ended with something we can use against her, about a woman in Iran (Iiirc) being executed for adultery. So — how are those Middle East people going to react to this photo?
Heidi, do you know any Muslim experts in academia who could give us some good quotes?
There is a quote from Catharine A. MacKinnon here http://www.womensspace.org/phpBB2/2008/12/12/we-will-not-forget/ regarding Jon Favreau and attaching women’s issues to a male in an effort to gain validity. The intersect of race and gender is more than just interesting.
The post is more involved and I do not do Catharine’s words justice, but if you go to Womensspace you can read the clip here: http://www.womensspace.org/phpBB2/2008/12/12/we-will-not-forget/
Here is a portion:
“In my view, the subtext to the critique of oppression “as a woman,” the critique that holds that there is no such thing, is dis-identification with women.”
“A woman is just a woman–the ontological victim–so not victimized at all.”
(The cardboard symbol of Jon molesting a woman, his violation of all women means nothing. The message from males/men is that females are to not acknowledge or rail against the symbolic hatred of females. We must laugh off the fate they desire for our kind.)
Another snip/quote: “How the white woman is imagined and constructed and treated becomes a particularly sensitive indicator of the degree to which women, as such, are despised.”
The above snippets of Catharine MacKinnon’s thoughts do not do justice to her whole opinions regarding the condition of women and how race affects reality.
So, how does Obama, with his supposedly global, superior knowledge base, address his head speech writer’s obvious demonstration of his hatred for females? How does Obama address the depths of hatred for females/ misogyny? Does he even know what misogyny means, is defined as, or is? Did he get elected by speaking the words of Jon Favreau, the woman hater, who knew just what to say to get the ‘bitchs’ in the sack, get their vote?
Hmm, probably. This tells me that all women on this planet have been had and that we have no agent in politics that will make a difference for the advancement of females towards a safe, free and equal place on this planet.
When Obama condones a 27 year old guy who shows the world what he thinks about all females. When Obama embraces and protects that same guy, this says that Obama agrees with the premises, even the most deep and hidden premise that women are ‘less than and are objects for any male’s use.’
Hillary is swimming upstream.
And part of the underlying dynamic, and what makes the pics with other women than the intended victim have impact, is the subtext of male ownership. I can do this to YOUR WOMAN , but dont you dare do it to MY WOMAN .
Remember how joy behar thought it was SO SEXY when bo said lay off MY wife ..
Sometimes I wonder if the knuckledraggers bo and friends can even get to that level of thought regarding misogyny , and how if you perpetrate this on one women you are perpetrating it on all women.
Also gives me pause for thought on their true understanding of racism . I think that they have used race as a means of manipulating outcomes where bo can be portrayed as a victim , but he seems unable to get past himself as a victim , and able to see that he is also a perpetrator … continuung the cycle of abuse.
What this says to me: Hillary asked for it since her husband is a philanderer ….
what nonsense!
swanspirit, I wish had shared your magnanimity. But I’m such a cynic. I think BO is not only aware of his perp status. I think he enjoys it.
Hi Heidi, I just sent you a little money. I’m happy to help out!
UppityBiscuit, thanks for the links. Great excerpt from the MacKinnon piece. She clearly articulates the point I’ve been trying to make which is that many women do not identify with other women. Their self identity is completely dependent on men and, naturally, this is often the men they grew up with so it gets confused with ethnic identity as well.